Cass chooses fan as new AD

August 16, 2006|BOB OPPENHEIM Tribune Staff Writer

Robert Gowin was approved in a unanimous 6-0 vote by the Cassopolis school board on Monday night to be the new Cassopolis High School athletic director. It's a one-year contract up for review after that year. Gowin replaces Hiawatha Francisco, who was promoted recently to assistant principal at Cassopolis High School. Gowin is familiar with the Cassopolis school system. He used to be an administrator for the Cassopolis public schools. Two years ago, Gowin moved to Cassopolis after spending his retirement in Florida. "Since moving back here, he was a constant spectator at Cassopolis sporting events," said Cassopolis school superintendent Greg Weatherspoon. "He could expound on players and coaches and was part of the athletic support group." That knowledge made Gowin attractive to the people involved in the hiring process. A selection committee comprised of principal Anthony Habra, Francisco, athletic director Jeanne Stump, board member Christine Locke and a community member screened the applicants down to three. One applicant withdrew his name. Weatherspoon interviewed the final two candidates on Aug. 7 and decided to recommend Gowin to the school board. "I thought Robert was the most knowledgeable of Cassopolis High School and he could hit the ground running because he knew so much about us," Weatherspoon said. Gowin's first day as athletic director is next Monday. "He comes from out of the stands on to the floor immediately," Weatherspoon said.Staff writer Bob Oppenheim: roppenheim@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6151